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In over my head?

#23
There's upside and a downside to these situations. I learned a lot from being thrown in with much older more experienced players and having to survive. If you apply yourself to the challenge you'll grow fast.

But, on the other hand, I'm a big believer in practices - when I'm BL there are mandatory rehearsals and the final product shows it. We're always proud in the end.

Mostly playing jazz nearly all the players are very competent and wing it well but they don't think they need to rehearse. That's not a recipe for a first rate band.

The other problem is having too long a song list. While it keeps things interesting it also limits how well you execute certain things.

Even Miles' famous quintets practiced a lot and a limited set list. That's why they sounded so incredible.
 
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#24
Because they still call you up, chances are they see you being more than adequate for the job - don't let the drummer lower your ego, since chances are, he's either trying to milk a higher output than what you're being paid for, or he's an ass.

Either way you've said you got a job, so you don't have to take this. Go Alpha, or stay Beta. Next time he barks, backhand him. "It's a man's world; b*ch, stay in your place".
 
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#26
You can always let the drummer know your trying and suggest he shows up. But honestly I wouldn't worry you may not be up to par on chops but you have the pocket. That is really what matters, chops will grow but playing with heart and deep pockets isn't taught so easily that comes with in. If the bands not complaining I wouldn't worry.....

Remember your a bass player and one with a good pocket. That's not so easy to find hell that's why John Paul Jones started bass his dad told him if he played bass he would land better jobs....Boy was papa Jones right he got the mother of all jobs.

Also with the drummer don't take it personally. Sometimes I don't do it at gigs well try not too but in practice I sometimes give well not a stink eye but a look. If a guitarist is soloing way in the wrong key or if we have rushing and dragging from drummers I give a look like "hey lets tighten up". That's usually if the member doesn't seem to notice their error. This may be a great experience for you best of luck.
 
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#29
Great advice all the way around. I've been given enough stink-eye to know what it looks like but I'm probably over-thinking the whole mess. I AM still getting calls, so I guess it's not that bad. I'm gonna practice like crazy for the gig at the end of the month and crush it! They do have an incredible repertoire between the two of them so its hard to anticipate tunes they will call. They seldom use a setlist and will occasionally pull out songs they haven't played for years.
 
#30
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#33
Sounds like a good gig in general, I'd tolerate the drummer's attitude if he has one. Some people just have abrasive personalities, they don't mean bad. I know I do. I wouldn't worry about having chops, just sound good doing the bass thing, which is support. Maybe practice along to the records, a metronome, record yourself? Find other musicians and practice with them too, even if it's different material?
 
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#34
I would try and stick it out; playing with better musicians is going to rocket your own playing faster than playing with guys at the same level or not playing in a band at all. Sometimes the stink eye periodically is worth.

I would record EVERYTHING at practice, in any way possible. Don't expect them to send you tapes, or to bring recording equipment, do it yourself. Practice, practice practice...

Keep a humble attitude, practice hard, keep getting better, and i'm sure you'll be around a long time.


I will say, however, if the drummer keeps getting worse, move on, life can be too short to deal with adult brats. Learn from it, and it will be valuable one way or the other...
 
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#35
Blue Moose said:
I always liked playing with people who are better than me
Click to expand...
Given my experience, you Never want to be the 'best' player in the band...ever. (NOT that that has ever been a problem for me!) Always play with players who are better than you...push yourself...don't mind being pushed. The weird playlist would definatly bother me...but not the stink eye. Have a chat over a beer and find out what he's really thinking.
Keep playing...Keep Getting Better...STAY in the pocket...Keep having Fun!:thumbsup:
 
#40
BL I work with used to do this to me, even said something in the mic. once. At the break I told him never do that again or you will be finishing the night alone and if you want a flawless performance 1st check yourself & 2 we better start rehearsing. been together 9 years now 0 rehearsals, 0 problems. Burned thru a few drummers because of it as well.
 

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